ITV address speculation Holly Willoughby was involved in Phillip Schofield's exit - Daily Record

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ITV has shared a statement addressing the rumours that Holly Willoughby was involved in Phillip Schofield's This Morning exit.

The statement comes following speculation that the 61-year-old former co-host and long-term friend was involved in Phillip's exit following their feud.

It comes amid reports that Holly 'cut-ties' with Phil after 'cooling' off their friendship off-screen.

Phil- who is said to have received a 'bumper payout from ITV', was announced on Saturday. However, Eammon Holmes was determined Holly 'knows the truth'.

Speaking on GB News, former This Morning host Eamonn, 63, told his co-host Isabel Webster: "Holly knows the truth, the story is with her."

Isabel confirmed Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary are set to host Monday's This Morning as she added: "All of this comes after the big announcement from Phillip Schofield that he was stepping down..."

Interrupting, Eamonn remarked: "Please, let's stop this, he was sacked."

"All this nonsense about, 'I've decided to step down' I'm sure you did," he sarcastically continued. "Now here's your P45, now step down. Why do we propagate this language? 'I've decided to step down' and [Holly] says the couch won't feel the same without him people there.

This Morning... Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby hungover — Philip Schofield with Holly Willoughby (Image: ITV)

"Well she wanted him not there, so why is she moaning about the couch not feeling the same for? They deserve each other."

It was later reported Holly gave an "ultimatum" to ITV bosses following her feud with Phil.

A source told Daily Mail: "It was basically an ultimatum, Holly won the war. We say what Holly wants, Holly gets and never was a truer word spoken."

However, now a source at ITV confirmed that talent have no input in editorial decisions and Phil decided to leave on his own accord reports the Mirror.

Following the speculation over Holly's involvement in Phillip's exit, an ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: "Phillip Schofield’s decision to step down from This Morning was (as his statement made clear) a decision agreed between Phillip and ITV. "

Phillip announced his decision to leave the show in a shock statement released on Saturday, May 20– making his final appearance on the show Thursday May 18.

In a statement, the former host said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.

"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."

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